Universal Laser Systems Industrial Series User manual

www.ulsinc.com
Installation & Set-up Guide
ILS9.75, ILS9.150D, ILS12.75, ILS12.150D

3
Table of Contents
Proper Operating Environment
Environment…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………5
Electrical Power Source………………………………………………………………………………………………………6
Exhaust System.………………………………………………………………………………………………………………6
Diagram…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………7
Software Installation and Requirements
Computer and Operating System Requirements……………………………………………………………………………9
Universal Control Panel (UCP) Installation CD-ROM………………………………………………………………………11
Assembling Your ILS System
System Unpacking - ILS9.75, ILS9.150D, ILS12.75 and ILS12.150D………………………………………………………13
Laser Cartridge Installation…………………………………………………………………………………………………15
Laser System Leveling………………………………………………………………………………………………………18
Finalizing the Connections…………………………………………………………………………………………………24
Checking Beam Alignment…………………………………………………………………………………………………27
Running Your First Job
Step 1 - Loading and Positioning the Material.……………………………………………………………………………29
Step 2 - Creating the Graphic………………………………………………………………………………………………29
Step 3 - Printing to Your VersaLASER® System.……………………………………………………………………………30
Step 4 - Starting the Process…………………………………………………………………………………………………31
Step 5 - Material Removal and Reloading.…………………………………………………………………………………31

Installation & Set-up Guide
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Thank you for choosing Universal Laser Systems®. We appreciate innovative customers
like you who have made Universal Laser Systems an integral part of their business.
Universal Laser Systems is committed to providing the highest level of customer
satisfaction and support. To ensure your satisfaction, we urge you to read the
documentation contained within the Reference Guide and User Guide CD.
Since 1988, Universal Laser Systems has been committed to continually improving our
technology and customer-driven laser solutions. Your satisfaction is very important to
us and we welcome your feedback. Tell us about your experience with Universal Laser
Systems and our systems at [email protected]om
Should you have any questions during your installation, please contact your local
representative or Universal Laser Systems’ Customer Service Team at 480-609-0297
(USA), [phone] (Austria), [phone] (Japan) or e-mail us at support@
ulsinc.com.
Again, thank you for choosing Universal Laser Systems.
Your Universal Laser Systems Team

Proper Operating Environment
5
The Installation & Set-up Guide is designed to provide you with step-by-step instructions for proper
installation andset-up of your Universal laser system. Before getting started, you should become
familiar with each section of theInstallation & Set-Up Guide: Proper Operating Environment Procedures,
Software Installation and Requirements,Assembling Your System and Running Your First Job.
Proper Operating Environment
This section will give you step-by-step instructions for site preparation and computer and software
setup. Follow the instructions in the order shown.
Establishing a Proper Operating Environment1.
Software Installation and Operating System Requirements2.
Assembling Your Industrial Laser Series System3.
Running Your First Job4.
CAUTION: Damage to the ILS system due to inadequate or improper operating environment isnot
covered under the Universal Laser Systems (ULS) Warranty. See the ULS Warranty foradditional infor-
mation. The ULS Warranty can be found in your Reference Guide booklet. Should you require a copy
of the Warranty, please contact your local Customer Service at 480-609-0297 (USA), [phone]
(Austria), [phone] (Japan) or e-mail us at [email protected].
Please refer to the Safety Manual before operating your laser system.
Environment (User Supplied)
The laser system must be installed in an oce, laboratory, workshop or light duty1.
manufacturing environment. Dusty or dirty environments can damage the laser system.
Keep the laser system isolated from any processes that produce airborne particles such as
sandblasting, sanding, machining, etc. Also, keep the ILS system isolated from any equipment
requiring mists of oil or water for lubrication. Airborne dust and liquids can coat and damage
optics and motion system components.
Avoid small, enclosed, non-ventilated areas. Some materials, after laser engraving or cutting,2.
continue emitting fumes for several minutes after processing. Having these materials present
in a conned, unventilated room can create a health hazard.
For best results, since the lasers are air-cooled, we recommend operating the laser system3.
between the ambient temperatures of 73ºF (22ºC) and 77ºF (25º C).
Avoid storing the laser system outside the temperatures of 50ºF (10ºC) and 95ºF (35º C) as4.
excessively cold or hot temperatures can damage the laser cartridge or reduce its lifetime.
Ambient humidity levels must be non-condensing to protect optics.5.
The laser system should be at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from any wall or obstruction.6.

Installation & Set-up Guide
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Electrical Power Source (User Supplied)
For your system’s electrical requirements, please refer to the“INPUT POWER” label near the1.
power inlet.
CAUTION:2. Never remove the ground lead to the electrical cord and plug
the ILS system into a non-grounded outlet. A laser system that is not properly
grounded is hazardous and has the potential to cause severe or fatal electrical shock. Without
proper grounding, the laser system may exhibit sporadic or unpredictable behavior. Always
plug the system into a properly grounded (earthed) outlet.
Noisy or unstable electricity and voltage spikes may cause interference and possible damage3.
to the electronics of the laser system. If electrical power uctuations, brown outs or constant
power outages are a problem in your area, please contact your local Electrician to supply a
power isolation and regulation module. Electrically noisy equipment, such as equipment with
large motors, can also cause interference if plugged into the same outlet. It may be necessary
to attach the laser system to a dedicated electrical line to resolve the problem.
The laser system is designed as a Class I, Group A, pluggable device. It is also designed for4.
connection to IT power systems which provide the most exibility to the user.
Exhaust System (User Supplied)
We recommend you consult with a licensed contractor to meet local safety and building code1.
requirements.
The exhaust system must be capable of supplying a minimum of:2.
ILS9.75, ILS9.150D, ILS12.75 and ILS12.150D -t 700 CFM (cubic feet per minute) of airow
while under a load
of 6 inches of static pressure (1190m3/hr at 1.5kPa)
Do not install forward incline, backward incline, in-line or ventilator fans because these types3.
of air handlers are inadequate and inappropriate for this type of installation. A high-pressure
blower must be used to meet minimum airow requirements.
For personal safety and noise control, we recommend that the exhaust blower be mounted4.
outside the building.
Rigid tubing should be used for the majority of the connection between the blower and5.
the laser system. The tubing should be smooth-walled and have as few 90-degree bends as
possible.
Install an exhaust gate to adjust airow and to close o the exhaust when the laser is not in use.6.
Place this gate near the laser system within 5 to 10 feet (1.50 to 3.00 meters).
Use a short piece of industrial grade, wire-reinforced rubber tubing to connect the laser7.
system’s exhaust port to the exhaust gate and secure with a hose clamp. This will provide some
mobility for your laser system and will isolate exhaust blower vibrations from your laser system.
Wire the exhaust blower electrically to a wall switch in the same room for easy ON/OFF control.8.

Proper Operating Environment
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Detail
Note: The following diagram shows a typical exhaust system layout. Use this as a guideline for proper
exhaust system installation. Although this diagram serves as an example, we recommend you consult
with a licensed contractor to meet local safety, environmental and building code requirements and to
also calculate the correct size blower required for your particular installation. Length of exhaust pipe,
exhaust pipe diameter, number of 90-degree angles and other restrictions must be calculated when
determining the correct exhaust blower unit. Installing an undersized or oversized blower is not only
unsafe, but can also lead to excessive wear and tear to the laser system and premature failure.
ILS9.75, ILS9.150D, ILS12.75 and ILS12.150D
Exhaust blower mounted outside* (User Supplied)1.
Weatherproof shield (User Supplied)2.
Rigid ducting matching the diameter of the blower inlet (User Supplied3.
Adapter to the hose reduces from 4” to 3” (User Supplied)4.
Y-pipe (User Supplied)5.
Shut-o or air-ow gate(s) (User Supplied)6.
Flexible, wire-reinforced, industrial grade rubber hose (User Supplied)7.
Connection to laser system8.
Exhaust On/O switch (User Supplied)9.
Computer (User Supplied)10.
*Exhaust blower illustration my dier according to your region.
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Software Installation and Requirements
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Software Installation and Requirements
Your computer is a critical component in the operation of the ILS system. In fact, you cannot operate
the ILS system if your computer is not connected, powered on, running Windows and running the
Universal Control Panel (UCP) software.
You can only run one ILS system per computer at a time. You will need to have a separate computer for
each ILS system you own. The ILS system is not designed to be a network printer. You must operate
the ILS system using the computer that is directly attached to it via the provided 6-foot USB cable (2
meters). USB cables longer than 6 feet (2 meters) may cause the ILS system to malfunction.
Computer and Operating System Requirements
Minimum Computer Requirements (User Supplied)
2.0 GHz processor (minimum)t
Windows XP or Windows Vista*t
1 GB of RAM (minimum); 2 GB of RAM (minimum) for Vista operating systemst
40 GB hard drive (15 GB free space) (minimum)t
VGA monitor (minimum 1024 x 768 resolution)t
CD-ROM drive/burnert
Mouse and keyboardt
Available USB 2.0 Hi-Speed compliant port onlyt
Computer speakers (optional)t
600 DPI scanner (optional)t
Internet connection and e-mail address (optional)t
*The ILS system is only compatible with a 32-bit Windows Operating System. See www.microsoft.com for the minimum
computer requirements to run Windows Vista. The ILS system is not designed to run on the Macintosh Operating System.
Note: Some computer manufacturers’USB ports do not comply with USB 2.0 Hi-Speed standards. This
may cause the ILS system to exhibit erratic behavior. Conrm that your computer complies with USB 2.0
Hi-Speed by checking your computer manual. For more information on USB 2.0 Hi-Speed compatibility,
please visit www.usb.org.
Other USB peripheral devices that demand a large amount of computer processing power may slow
down the operation and productivity of the ILS system. If you experience problems with operation, we
recommend you disconnect other USB peripheral devices while the laser system is o. Do not connect
or disconnet devices while the laser system is running a job.

Installation & Set-up Guide
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Optimizing Windows
XP Performance
Windows XP, by default, displays many “visual eects” that slow down the computer. We recommend
that you turn o these eects by right-clicking on the “My Computer” icon on your desktop, then click
“Properties” and then click the “Advanced” tab. In the Performance section, click “Settings,” then click
“Adjust For Best Performance” and then click “Apply.”
Vista Performance
Windows Vista, by default, displays many “visual eects” that slow down the computer. We recommend
that you turn o these eects by clicking the “Start” button, right-clicking on “Computer,” then click
“System Properties”and then click on “Advanced System Settings” link. In the Performance section,
click “Settings,” then click “Adjust For Best Performance” and then click “Apply.”
Computer Power Management
Power management is a conguration setting in Windows XP and Windows Vista that reduces the
energy consumption of computers and monitors by shutting them down after a period of inactivity.
However, since your computer is a critical component in the operation of the VLS system, you do not
want your computer to go into the Standby or Hibernate modes while your laser system is operating.
Contact your IT Department if you need help in conguring your computer.
For the Power Scheme in use, select “Never” for all the
setting options: Turn o monitor, turn o hard disks,
system standby and system hibernates.
XP Vista
For the Power Scheme in use, select “Never” for all the
setting options: Turn o display and Put the computer to
sleep.

Software Installation and Requirements
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Universal Control Panel (UCP) Installation CD-ROM
At this point you need to install the Windows XP/Vista Universal Control Panel (UCP) and printer driver.
In order to install the software, you need to have administrative privileges on the computer before
starting installation. The Software Installation CD-ROM can be found on the inside of this manual
reference guide.
Insert the Software Installation CD-ROM into your PC’s CD drive. It should automatically launch1.
the “Universal Control Panel Installation” window. Select the laser series you are installing on
the computer.
Note: If the setup window does not automatically launch, you can launch it manually. Locate
your CD or
DVD drive using Windows Explorer and click on the Setup.exe application to launch the setup
window.
Select the components you would like to install on your computer, then select the “2. Next”
button.
Note: If you choose to only install the “Universal Control Panel,”you will need to proceed to
step 4.

Installation & Set-up Guide
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If you have selected to install the Printer Driver, you will then be prompted to select the laser3.
system you would like to install on the computer. Once selected, click the “Next” button.
The installation process will proceed as indicated by a progress bar. Be patient. Loading the4.
les can take a few minutes depending on your computer’s processor speed.
When the installation process is nished, the “5. Completing the ULS Software Setup Wizard”
window will appear. Read the instructions and make your desired selection. If you Reboot
Now, save all your work prior to rebooting. If you decide to reboot later remember that you
must reboot before connecting the ILS system to your computer. Click on the “Finish” button to
complete installation. The window will automatically close. Remove the Software Installation
CD-ROM. All the les required to operate your machine have been loaded onto your computer.

Assembling Your ILS System
13
Assembling Your ILS System
Familiarize yourself with the instructions before getting started.
Once the system has been placed in its desired location of operation, it is necessary to properly level the
laser system. Once leveled, install the laser cartridge on the back of the machine and perform a beam
alignment check. Do not power up your laser system until the nal step,“Checking Beam Alignment.”
CAUTION: Do not attempt to move or lift this system alone. Obtain assistance from three or four ad-
ditional people when lifting or carrying (secure motion system and doors before lifting). Bodily
injury may occur if improper lifting techniques are used or the system is dropped.
System Unpacking - ILS9.75, ILS9.150D, ILS12.75 and ILS12.150D
Before unpacking the laser system and for servicing reasons, make sure that the system is located in a
place where it can reside at least 3 feet (1 meter) from any wall and 3 feet (1 meter) from any obstruction
to the left and right sides of the laser system.
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Installation & Set-up Guide
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Your laser system will have arrived in a wooden crate. After the top and sides have been removed
from the crate, the laser system must be detached from its shipping palette and lifted onto the oor as
follows:
Note: If you need to move the laser machine through a doorway smaller than the laser system, please
contact your local Customer Service at 480-609-0297 (USA), [phone] (Austria), [phone]
(Japan) or e-mail us at suppor[email protected] for further instructions.
Loosen the four bolts indicated in the drawing to release the laser system from its pallet.1.
Lift the laser system with wood supports attached and place it on the oor where you intend to2.
operate it.
Remove the strap (1) wrapped around the laser system once it has been removed from the3.
crate.
If you have a forklift, you can lift the laser system o of the pallet by inserting the forksa.
(spread as wide apart as possible) under the wooden supports attached to the cart legs.
Then lifting the laser system a few inches, pull the pallet from underneath and lower the
laser system to its proper operating position.
If you do not have a forklift, four people must lift the laser system up, walk it carefully o ofb.
the pallet and lower it to the oor.
Remove the wooden supports clamped to the legs of the cart by unscrewing the 4 bolts that sit4.
between the
cart legs.
Attach your exhaust system’s wire-reinforced rubber tubing to the exhaust port at the rear of5.
the laser system
and secure with a hose clamp.
Proceed to page 15 “Laser Cartridge Installation.”
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Remove four outside bolts
(Two on each side)
Place forklift forks here
to lift laser system

Assembling Your ILS System
15
Laser Cartridge Installation
Note: The following images illustrate a ILS12.150D laser system with two laser cartridges. If you own a
single laser cartridge system, you will install the single laser cartridge only.
Make sure that your power cord to the system is not plugged in at this time. Place your nger1.
on the button part of the latch until the latch is released. Gently fold back the rear cover. Some
laser systems are shipped with keyed locks.
Note: Access latches for the laser cover are lockable. However, all systems are shipped from
the factory with latches unlocked. If you need to lock the latches, please contact our Customer
Service at 480-609-0297 (USA), [phone] (Austria), [phone] (Japan) or e-mail us
at suppor[email protected] for keys.
Visually locate the mounting blocks (1), the laser latch(es) (2) and alignment fork(s) (3). Notice2.
that the alignment fork has two plates, one small and one large. Locate the gap between the
two plates.

Installation & Set-up Guide
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Observe the“V” groove along the upper (3) and lower (2) part of the laser cartridge base plate3.
and the alignment plate (1) at the end of the base plate.
If you have purchased two laser cartridges, mount the rst cartridge onto the lower mounting4.
blocks rst. Single laser users should mount the laser cartridge in the top position.
Pick up the laser cartridge by the ends and tilt it at a 30 degree angle as shown (1). Mount the5.
cartridge onto the mounting blocks shown in step 2 (page 15) by placing the upper “V” groove
on top of the mounting blocks. Slide the cartridge to the right until the outer edge (2) of the
alignment plate contacts the inside edge of the large plate of the alignment fork.

Assembling Your ILS System
17
Slowly rotate the laser cartridge, making sure that the alignment plate is centered in the gap in6.
the alignment fork. As you slowly release the weight of the laser, you should feel it lock itself
smoothly into place. Never force the laser into position. If the laser does not install
smoothly, check for obstructions such as pinched wires or hoses or a binding laser latch. Once
installed, verify that the alignment plate is centered within the alignment fork.
Plug in the power connector (1) to the corresponding laser cartridge. The power connector is7.
labeled Top (2) or Bottom (3). Single laser cartridge users should leave the bottom connector
unplugged and out of the way.
Close the rear cover, making sure that wires or hoses do not become pinched when the cover is8.
closed. Gently close the rear cover until the sliding latches lock into place.
Once the laser cartridge has been installed, proceed to9. “Laser System Leveling” on page 18.

Installation & Set-up Guide
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Laser System Leveling
Once the laser system is in its proper operating location, open the top door rst (1), then open1.
the front door (2).
Locate the small bubble level (1) on the front of the laser system frame.2.

Assembling Your ILS System
19
Adjust the caster height using the adjustment screw (2) until the front of the laser system is3.
level from one side to the other. Once the front of the system is level, secure the front casters
by tightening the nut (1) up against the cart leg.
Locate the small bubble level on the back frame of the laser system.4.

Installation & Set-up Guide
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Adjust the caster height using the adjustment screw (2) until the back of the laser system is5.
level from one side to the other. Once the back of the system is level, secure the back casters by
tightening the nut (1) up against the cart leg.
Located within the body of the laser system, underneath the engraving table, is a box. Open6.
the box and set the focus tool aside. You will need the focus tool for later use.